Casa Campolattaro - Lucca Centro

02/11/2024

Clearly, I wasn’t ready to give up the Italian pace, so my foot decided to slow me down!

When I broke my foot while unpacking only hours after landing, the familiar surroundings feel both comforting and frustrating.

31/10/2024

Thinking about traveling with young kids in Italy makes me both nostalgic and exhausted! It’s been a while since we explored this beautiful country with little ones, but they still love Italy!

With Dario's sister gearing up to stay at our place in Lucca with her husband and their two young boys, I’ve been brainstorming ways to make their time here as enjoyable as possible. As I put together a list to help them make the most of their visit, I thought it would be great to share it with others planning a family adventure in Lucca!

Check out our latest blog, Exploring Lucca with Littles: https://www.casacampolattaro.com/post/exploring-lucca-with-littles

What tips do you have to add?

27/10/2024

https://www.theburn.com/2024/10/27/six-sensational-neapolitan-pizza-places-in-nova/

Pupatella and il Canale in Georgetown are our favorites for authentic (certified Neapolitan) pizza. The Burn

These days it seems there are as many different types of pizza as there are spots on map. New York, Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Connecticut, California. But one of the classic pizza styles didn't originate

24/10/2024

17/10/2024

15/10/2024

08/10/2024

Big savings on several of these items with Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, October 8-9!

Planning a trip to Italy, or any extended journey for that matter, requires careful consideration of what to bring along. A curated list of essentials.

07/10/2024

Some of our blog posts are geared mostly to our guests with helpful information for their stay at Casa Campolattaro. That's the case with this one on the ZTL, but sharing here in case it's of interest to others. https://www.casacampolattaro.com/post/navigating-ztl-and-parking-in-lucca-what-you-need-to-know
https://www.casacampolattaro.com/post/navigating-ztl-and-parking-in-lucca-what-you-need-to-know

01/10/2024

When you walk into Casa Campolattaro, the first thing you'll see is our family photo—a reminder that this is our home, not just a rental. We recently shared our story with Fortune Magazine about buying a home abroad, and while the headline wasn’t our favorite, 😜 the article captures our experience. Read more, here: https://www.casacampolattaro.com/post/making-casa-campolattaro-a-home-not-an-investment

30/09/2024

We've learned a few things about packing light since our days of traveling to Italy as a young family of five. We're ready to put our lessons learned into action with our upcoming trip to Lucca...carry-on only! Read more about some eco-friendly tips and items that will help lighten your load and lessen your impact: https://www.casacampolattaro.com/post/traveling-light-eco-friendly-packing-for-italy

24/09/2024

Ever wonder why so many fall in love with this charming Tuscan town? For us, it's the perfect mix of liveliness and tranquility, where daily life is slow, yet connected. Whether it’s the strolls along ancient walls or the car-free streets, Lucca Centro Storico offers a lifestyle that just feels right.

Curious to know more about what made us choose Lucca? Read the full story in my latest blog post!

https://www.casacampolattaro.com/post/why-lucca-is-the-perfect-fit-for-us

20/09/2024

Before you fry any outlets—or your nerves—check out my latest blog post on why US appliances and Italian outlets don't always get along. Spoiler alert: It's not just about the plugs! 🔌

The electricity in Italy runs on a different voltage—230V compared to the 120V used in the US. This means that your US hairdryer could turn

13/09/2024

As we reflect on Casa Campolattaro’s first full year hosting guests, we want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who stayed with us.

We’ve been fortunate to welcome guests from all over the world...Charlie, James, Henry, Siobhan, Daniel, Theo, Sharon, Anna, Marguerite, April, Debbie, Egor, Marion, Zachary, Bozena, Stefano, Antoine, Lisanne, Celeste, Elisabeth, Suzy, Indigo, Paul, Christopher, Anais, Bente, Lee, Verena, Paula, Charlotte, and Hanna!

We are so grateful that you cared for our special place like it was your own home while creating your memories in Lucca. It’s a joy knowing that Casa Campolattaro has been filled with warmth and love, even when we couldn’t be there ourselves.

Thank you for making this first year truly unforgettable. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

With heartfelt appreciation,
Dario & Ashley

12/09/2024

Pretty little pictures of our favorite town.

07/09/2024

Lucca makes the perfect home base and jumping off point for day trips. 🚊 🚗 🚌 These towns are all within easy reach. To see more, check out the link to our blog in our bio.

06/09/2024

September in Lucca is marked by this vibrant festival, a month-long celebration that fills the city with fairs, concerts, and religious events. One of the highlights is the Luminara di Santa Croce, a stunning candlelit procession through the streets on September 13th. The festivities continue with the Santa Croce Fair in mid-September, bringing market stalls, street food, and rides to Piazza Napoleone. Additionally, Murabilia, a fall plant and flower show, takes place on Lucca's historic walls during the first week of September, celebrating the beauty of autumn. Finally, the Lucca Film Festival, adds a cinematic touch to the month's events, featuring a diverse lineup of films and special screenings throughout the city.

Check our our latest NEW BLOG POST for a year-round guide to all things Lucca: https://www.casacampolattaro.com/post/year-round-lucca-events-weather-guide

05/09/2024

02/09/2024

Very sad.
https://www.luccaindiretta.it/cronaca/2024/08/31/imprenditrice-muore-per-una-malattia-a-soli-55-anni/423647/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR21v77abEf9RrYQR8cPVfDsGMQ-6Gkg8g9J2R6eVxkqmVqwjez1l9aBz4I_aem_Vn1IlwYbryevI4SCPibstA

Lutto a Lucca ed Altopascio per la morte di Federica Gori: ha gestito per anni la Stella Polare in piazza Napoleone

28/08/2024

Our recent day trip to Florence had us thinking about the impact of overtourism. As we navigated the crowded streets, it was hard not to notice how much has changed in this beloved city. Italy's charm draws millions of visitors each year, but the surge in travel can sometimes overshadow the authentic experiences that make these places so special. Read more in our latest blog post.

The surge in travel—fueled by post-COVID "revenge travel," social media-fueled wanderlust, and the influence of movies and shows...

25/08/2024

23/08/2024

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/ZCYiiOX

American life has managed to strip away some everyday activities only to repackage and sell them back to us, gift-wrapped and overpriced.

19/08/2024

The Porta San Gervasio, built in the 13th century, was once a main gateway into the heart of the city, connecting Lucca to the world beyond its medieval walls. Though it was altered during the construction of the Renaissance walls, much of the gate was preserved and remains standing today. Dedicated to San Gervasio and Protasio, this gate is one of the four doors of the old city, blending Lucca’s medieval and Renaissance pasts. 🏰

17/08/2024

Discover the best ways to explore Lucca with our comprehensive guide. From historical landmarks and local events to top online resources and apps, navigate this charming Tuscan city with ease. Perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike!

Here’s your Lucca guide to navigating this enchanting city and discovering all it has to offer.

16/08/2024

I'm sure I'm missing some, but here are some charming features, differences and quirks we encountered during our apartment search in Italy a couple of years ago.

During our search for a home in Lucca Centro Storico, we found features and quirks that stand in sharp contrast to our experiences in the US

15/08/2024

Yesssss, Jessica / Light Traveling! I've been sitting on a blog draft on this very topic, but struggled to get it just right. You nailed it. Great tips.

Now more than ever, we Americans are head-over-heels for Italy. Wild for the language and landscape, food and wine, fashion, and art, we overstuff our giant rolly-bags and set off in hot pursuit of la dolce vita, carrying along weighty itineraries and expectations. And we’re far from alone in this...